Judge takes command of Geronimos

By Angie Thorne, Fort Polk Guardian staff writerJuly 10, 2009

Judge takes command of Geronimos
Lt. Col. Anthony G. Judge (left), Maj. Mark A. Landis (center) and Lt. Col. Darron L. Wright perform the inspection of troops at the change of command ceremony for the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, held at the 1st Maneuver Enhanc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT POLK, La. -- A change of command ceremony for the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment began with a description of the unit as "the finest parachute infantry battalion in the world." This summed up the spirit of the events to follow as Lt. Col. Darron L. Wright relinquished the battalion colors to Lt. Col. Anthony J. Judge July 2 at the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Field.

Reiterating that sentiment, Col. Jon S. Lehr, commander, Joint Readiness Training Center Operations Group, made clear that paratroopers are remarkable men. "Darron Wright is no ordinary man and he has led an organization of extraordinary men," said Lehr.

He expressed admiration for the battalion's work ethic. "They are well trained and love what they do. Over the past two years, Darron and his men have participated in 19 rotations, preparing about 5,000 Soldiers for combat operations. Although you can't measure it, Geronimos' actions have led to lives saved and missions accomplished. This approach produced a battalion that is totally capable of operating independently in a dependable manner," said Lehr.

Lehr then welcomed the incoming commander, saying that Judge's background is the right balance to help lead the Geronimos to further success. "He has taken the helm of a well-oiled, superbly-tuned machine. I have complete confidence in his ability to take the organization to new heights," said Lehr.

Outgoing commander Wright said he wanted to publicly thank his Soldiers, NCOs and officers for all they had done.

He said that about eight months ago, the battalion evolved from serving as the JRTC opposing force to taking on the additional role of host nation security force to better replicate conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"No longer referred to as the opposing force, we are now the JRTC contemporary operating force. This is why you see the companies dressed in various uniforms standing before you. It's truly symbolic of the diversity of roles the battalion performs," said Wright.

"This transition was not easy. The paratroopers and leaders of the 509th were challenged, but they made it happen."

Wright commended JRTC as a true innovator. "It is on the cutting edge of current operation environment conditions settings. The battalion is unmatched in its design and execution of those tasks," said Wright.

Wright said his success is because of his Soldiers. "I will forever be humbled that I had the opportunity to serve beside you and as your commander."

Judge took the podium to conclude the ceremony with these words: "This is a superb organization and I am proud to be a member. I am honored and promise to continue to uphold the Geronimo standard and to care for its Families," he said.